Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Have there been issues with Blogger again? I have tried and tried to leave comments on several blogs but can't do it. I've gone through several attempts re: my password and attempting to log in. I hope this goes through...although it's not really a vital post. :-)

We had horrendous weather around here last night. Tornadoes dancing all around, however, we were very fortunate that they didn't touch down. Sirens, golf ball size hail, wind, rain ~ you name it!

In the midst of this, I had a little kitchen fire. Yes, "Earth, Wind & Fire" for sure! Thank God, it was mild and I got it out quickly. I also got everything cleaned up in a short time while wondering if I should be in the closet. Have to have the range checked out by Maintenance but didn't feel like having them in here today.

I had my purse (with important papers), my phone and my dog with me in the closet! I had time to look around and think about what I needed to go through and donate...once again. I promise, if anyone had dropped by and asked if I wanted to move I would have said, "Yes!" and walked out with my purse, my phone and my dog. Forget the boxes this time! :-)

While in the closet I really did contemplate where I would choose to live...without extreme heat and humidity or tons of snow and what would be my preference ~ tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes? Of course the choices would be much simpler if I won the Lottery!

My brother and sister-in-law left early this morning for Joplin, MO. A group from their church is taking supplies and donations and a willingness to work and help out. I will be anxious to hear what they have to share when they return.

I'm starving right now and not a clue as to what I will eat. I wonder if Oprah's chef is available? Yeah, right! Oh well, a girl can dream...

I hope that each of you have had a great day! Perhaps tomorrow will bring a resurgence of energy and some creativity to share with you.

Monday, May 23, 2011

I think we all know that children are always watchingand listening, but this puts that idea into words so well - enjoy the feeling and I hope this is a wonderfuldayfor you!!

Isn't this child's expression just priceless? ;-)

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children are watching you...and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking."

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)
influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by
sharing this with someone else, you will probably make
them at least think about their influence on others.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

Friday, May 20, 2011

With all the hype about the end of the world tomorrow, the 21st, I just thought I'd ask. :-) I did laundry today, a bit of cleaning and made a blackberry cobbler for my neighbor. Should I be concerned about the storage closet and boxes I need to go through? Should I check the local nursery for their plant sale? Do I need to pay bills? Perhaps I should just take a trip and call it good! Hit the beach and kick back like I'd like....yes, I think that's the ticket.

Forgive the blurry pics, ok?

I say all this in jest as it just amazes me that there are people that actually are believing this. Oh, and I heard it is scheduled to happen at 6p.m. ~ regardless of your time zone. Is it going to be like the lights being turned off on the East coast....moving toward the Central U.S. and then toward the Western time zones? Just haven't figured out how it's all supposed to work.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Lisa at House Dressing was extremely kind in awarding me this honor! She has a beautiful blog and is a fellow Texan! :-) I'm beyond grateful!

I'm supposed to share 7 things about me...yeah, right! :-) I don't know if you would be interested but I will certainly do so. 1. I'm a Native Texan and proud of it!2. I still don't care for our summers...too hot and humid. I just don't do heat.3. I moved twice last year...not fun! I am just beginning to feel like "me" again.4. I'm very spiritual and have no clue what people do without God in their lives.5. I love to laugh and have fun ~ it's so good for us too!6. Love to cook ~ especially baking. I don't do a lot of it in the summer...just too hot to turn on the oven.7. I am having a very difficult time decorating my bedroom and not sure why it's been such a challenge. I have found some things that are making me happy as I LOVE color ~ hopefully I'll be able to share soon.

In the spirit of paying it forward, I'm awarding the Versatile Blogger to those listed below:

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I found this candle holder some time ago...can't even remember where...although the sticker was still on it and revealed it was $1.00. I can deal with that! Perhaps a lot of you would have left it this shabby white but I have to have color. :-) I did prime it and then put a clear sealer on when finished. Hopefully, that will help since it will live outside.

I plan to use it on my patio and chose a color that is as close to turquoise as I could find ~ it's Rustoleum Satin Lagoon.

One more pic with a candle although I'm going for a lemon yellow candle for the finale`.

The pillow is new and staying inside...just a bit of a prop even though the tones are not quite the same color family. More on the pillow later!

I have a few other things to spray paint for the patio...it's just been too windy here to do very much. It's going to be full of color when I'm finished ~ :-)

I'm linking up with ThriftyDecorChickfor her Spray Paint Party! Stop by and see all the talent shared there.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Well, it seems that Blogger interrupted all of us...this post was deleted but I'm trying again!

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups water

1 cup canned garbanzo beans

(chickpeas), drained

1 tomato, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced (add more if you like garlic)

3 tablespoons lime juice

4 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh

parsley

I like to add a few chopped green onions too.

Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, and rinse under cold, running water until the water no longer foams. Bring the quinoa, salt, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
When done, stir in the garbanzo beans, tomatoes garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to serve.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

I know so many of us are on Facebook and the link below will take you to the Soldier's Angels Store. You can send a Care Package and bring cheer and appreciation to a soldier! You don't have to leave your computer to go shopping, package or mail ~ easy, peasy. If you do not have a specific person to send to, they will make the choice for you. There is a 20% discount right now! These men and women are in unbelievable situations and conditions....giving their all, for all of us. You cannot imagine the appreciation they feel when someone from back home lets them know we care. Give up a Starbuck's for awhile, spend a bit of your thrifting or shopping budget...it takes so little to make them happy!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Donna, from Designs on 47th Street, is the winner! Congratulations Donna!! Please email me your info and I'll get the order in ASAP.

I want to say a HUGE thank you to each person that entered and chose to follow along. I appreciate it more than you know! In fact, I'm going to send a little sumthin' sumthin' to another person. Here goes!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

This is really not a "healthy" recipe or low in fat and calories. ﻿ It is more like something from Paula Deen with all the butter and cheese. :-) I created it eons ago when my kids were small and everyone seemed to eat like this. It's still a family favorite and I made this dish for my son and his family after Easter. It's long been a favorite of his and my grandson. I had prepared a ham for Easter Sunday and there was quite a bit left. (You don't have to add the ham if you prefer not to.) I really don't use exact measurements either...it really depends on the size of the batch you're making and the dish you will use. Please refrain from oohing and ahhhing about this "gorgeous baking dish" ~ anyone can have them. Just look in the "throw away" foil container section in your favorite grocery store! :-) When I take food to my kids, I use the foil containers at times so they don't have to worry about the clean-up or returning dishes to me.

Seriously, this is an example of what I used in this 9x13 dish:

1 large pkg elbow pasta

Cook as directed on package for the smallest amount of time since it will be baking to finish. When ready, drain the cooked pasta, saving some of the water it was cooked in.

Whisk together:

1 cup milk

1/4 cup flour

Make sure it is thoroughly mixed, smooth and then set aside.

Add to the drained pasta:

1 stick butter

1 lb. pkg Velveeta Cheese, cubed

About 3 c. of the saved pasta water along with the milk & flour mixture

Toss in other cheeses that have been grated ~ I love adding Pepper Jack for a kick! I used that, some mozzarella and sharp cheddar in this.

Add as much ham as you'd like, making sure it is cut into bite size pieces.

Stir well and ensure that the mixture is a little bit soupy as it will thicken as it bakes. Add cracked pepper to taste. I don't add salt due to the salt in all the cheeses/butter/ham.

At this point, I cover the "gorgeous" baking dish with foil...place on a cookie sheet just in case and place it in a pre-heated 350' oven for about 30 min. Remove the foil, sprinkle more shredded cheese of your choice on top and return to oven for about 15 min.

Enjoy ~ and don't tell your Dr. :-)

I am joiningMizHelen and MichaelLeeWest for their weekly memes. Surely you've seen their blogs? :-) If not, please stop by ~ some of the best recipes ever are shared on both!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

I know, I know....I planned to announce the winner today at 12noon. I am not feeling well and have decided to extend it through Friday evening. Winner will be announced Saturday! Thank you for your understanding!

I originally introduced you to Forrester here. He is so precious and such a HUGE part of my life. He wanted to joinLucyand her friends for the party but he really could care less about any "publicity". He avoids the camera like his Mom does ~ :-) The photos are not the best but catching him is quite an accomplishment!

NO! I will NOT look at you!

Here I am, snoozing comfortably in one of my favorite spots and here she comes again with that camera!

Well, my friends, this is about all I can share today. He doesn't like photos so let's let him rest. Please stop by Debbiedoo's and check out the other fur babies!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Now I lay me down to sleep...one less terrorist this world does keep...with all my heart I give my thanks...to those in uniform regardless of ranks... you serve our country and serve it well... with humble hearts your stories to tell... so as I rest my weary eyes... while freedom rings our flag still flies... you give your all, do what you must... with God we live and God we trust.... Amen

Sunday, May 1, 2011

I'm sort of dragging this morning...allergies, headache, you name it. I sat down and watched this movie again ~ I just love it! I adore Morgan Freeman in anything and Jack Nicholson is amazing too. Anyway, after the horrendous tornadoes in the south, fires here in Texas and so much loss I feel especially blessed. I don't mean to be a Negative Nellie but life is wayyyyy too short and we're all just human in the fact that we tend to take a lot for granted. I try NOT to but I still do I know. I think I need to review my bucket list and see what I can do right now....and what needs to be added, changed or deleted. Wanna join me? Find the joy in your life ~ right now!

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Work like you don't need the money,Sing like no one can hear you,Live like it's Heaven on earth,Love like you've never been hurt andDance like no one's watching!

"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."~ Joseph Campbell

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to make."~ John Burroughs

"Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted ~ a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul." ~ Harold KushnerYou need Javascript enabled to view these blessings. Bible Study Aids

‎"May the Lord bless you and keep you and...give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

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"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."